Stay warm and dry this winter with awesome down jackets! A high-quality down jacket is ideal for wearing around town or heading out on a backcountry adventure. Considerations for buying the best down jacket for your needs include shell fabric, weight, warmth, fill power, and overall performance based on your unique requirements. This type of winter coat avoids bulk, with an optimal weight-to-warmth ratio that doesn't sacrifice style. Down jackets also compress down, making them easy to pack and haul anywhere they may be needed. While down jackets are commonly considered expensive, there are options out there for those who need to stay within a budget. The top down jackets for this season include sweaters, ultralights, and winter weight models. The three best companies that sell down jackets include Patagonia, REI, and Mountain Hardwear. Read on to find out what you need to know about buying the best down jackets available.
The REI Co-Op 650 is one of the best available for casual use that won't break the budget. Priced for only around $100, this coat has a standard nylon shell with 650-fill down. While not ideal for heavy use, this down jacket works we'll for daily wear, travel, and light adventuring.
The Patagonia Down Jacket fills a lot of needs; it is light and packable, warm and stylish, good for everyday use and winter adventuring. At only $229, this down jacket is also affordable, and has been proven to last longer than other brands.
The Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer Hooded coat is ultralight at only 7.7 ounces but still offers an incredible amount of warmth. Minimalist hikers and climbers love this coat, as it so light, easy to compress, and has features like a full hood and pockets. Priced at $350, this down jacket is for the serious cold-weather adventurer.
The Mountain Equipment Lightline is super warm with plenty of style. The 700-fill down is the highest fill weight, and the shell is windproof and water resistant. While many of these heavy duty jackets cost a lot more, this one is a bargain at only $260.
The Feathered Friends Eos is made by a company that is not well-known except to serious outdoorspeople who love the brand. The amazing warmth-to-weight ratio makes this down jacket an ideal piece of performance gear. Priced at $309, this down jacket is in high-demand, often with a two or three week waiting list at peak season.
The Outdoor Research Transcendent provides solid warmth, comes in many attractive colors, and has nice features like fleece-lined pockets. For every day use, this modern down jacket is a fantastic value. The Transcendent currently sells for $199.
The Rab Neutrino Pro is a classic choice for serious winter sports enthusiasts. There are eight full ounces of 800-fill hydrophobic down covered with a shell that is weather-resistant and warm. The Neutrino Pro is priced at $375.
The Magma 850 is a performance-oriented jacket that uses 850-fill down in a larger fit. For only $219, this jacket is priced well and comes with an adjustable waist hem and a soft-touch Pertex Quantum shell. It's totally easy to pack too. This down coat is better for performance but can be used for everyday wear.